The socio-cultural-literary researches must be aimed at discovering facts in the past and oriented to guiding the present, said renowned scholar Dr. M.M. Kalburgi.
He was addressing at a public function after receiving first Khened Murigeppa Memorial Award at Veerashaiva Kalyana Mantapa here on Sunday. The event was organised by Khened Murigeppa Prathishtana.
"There are two kinds of researches on historical facts. One ends with the discovery of truth and the other moves beyond to guide the present. While the former is for the sake of academic research, the latter guides the path of present. The need of the hour is to focus on second type of researches that address present-day issues in the light of historical lessons," he said. Expressing the dissatisfaction over the quality of present-day researches, Dr. Kalburgi called upon the young researchers to take up the study of those topics that have social relevance and help making present-day life better.
Sharana Movement
Referring to social reformist movement of 12th century, Dr. Kalburgi opined it was not a Bhakti movement, but a Sharana movement. "Bhakti movement emphasised individual salvation and deification of an individual. Sharana movement, however, focused on social transformation. While the former got confined to individual wellness, the latter strived for social progress," he said. He stressed on the need of socialisation of knowledge and wealth, as Sharanas did in 12th century, for resolving the issues of present-day world.
Making oblique reference to controversies around his statement in the recent past, Dr. Kalburgi justified his statements by stating that he had told the truth. "I swear in the name of Basavanna that I had not done any wrongdoing. All those who dared to tell truth, including Basavanna, were subjected to humiliation and harassment," he said.
Dr. Kalburgi announced that the cash that he received as part of the award would be spent for public cause. Veerabhadra Chennamalla Swami of Nidumamidi math presided over the event. Veteran journalist M.K. Bhaskar Rao, Prof. Kalyanrao G. Patil of Gulbarga University and others were present.
